28 Jul How we’ve been working since lockdown and keeping spirits high
As we’re starting to ease out of lockdown, we wanted to share with you how we’ve been working during this most challenging time at our care homes. It goes without saying that everybody’s safety has been our number one priority, but we also understand the importance of being able to see loved ones and keeping spirits high. Here are just some of the activities our residents have been enjoying since March.
- Families can visit their loved ones every day by making an appointment with visits taking place in our beautiful grounds (we have marquees set up to be prepared for the often variable weather of the Great British Summer)! All areas are cleaned down after every visit and we have hand sanitizers on each visiting station when it’s not possible to wash hands. We are also observing the socially distanced rules.
- Our beach days were a huge success and everybody had lots of fun. We avoided the queues and the crowds by bringing the beach to the Priory, complete with sand pits, paddling pools and dressing up. We even enjoyed fish and chips for lunch.
- Early on, we arranged bus trips and we took our residents to visit their families and they could wave from the bus. These trips have been a huge success and we still continue to provide this activity. The joy on people’s faces to see their loved ones is just priceless.
- We have recently started venturing out, in line with government guidelines, and we are now going out on trips to local beauty spots such as Coworth Park and Henley-on-Thames. We pack our own picnics, enjoyed in secluded places where we can take in the lovely scenery. Where possible we have been enjoying socially distanced walks and making the most of the (mainly) glorious weather.
- We have been also been making the most of our beautiful grounds and we feel very fortunate to be in such an idyllic location. We have been enjoying picnics in the gardens and we are also planning a BBQ.
- Families have been able to celebrate birthdays with their loved ones. For example, Joan had a wonderful time in the sensory garden at St Christopher’s with her family on her 80th birthday, albeit at a two-metre distance. A champagne afternoon tea was enjoyed by the whole family.
- Church is also a regular part of our community and activities. We are very lucky that two staff members (Sian and Fidelma) have been trained to be Eucharistic ministers so we have been able to administer Holy communion to our residents, which offers comfort and continuity to many. We also regularly watch Mass from Ascot Priory and St Joseph’s church in Bracknell, thanks to the latest technology and our large screen.
We’ve tried to keep life as normal as possible and tried to lift spirits, whilst keeping everybody safe and well. We will continue to do our best to keep our residents safe, happy and smiling this summer and beyond. If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.